Head-mounted brain stimulation device and control method thereof

Abstract

The application discloses a head-mounted brain stimulation device and a control method thereof. The device comprises a device body, an electrode module, a driving module assembly, an external control device and a connecting line. The electrode module and the driving module assembly are arranged on the device body and integrated with a conductive medium storage cavity, a piston mechanism and a conductive medium outlet. The driving piston mechanism automatically extrudes the conductive medium. The control device is internally provided with an impedance monitoring module and a signal sending module. The handheld control device detects the contact impedance of the electrode and transmits the electric wave signal. The matching control method of the application sequentially completes the processes of medium preloading, wearing positioning, medium extrusion, impedance regulation, signal output and abnormality monitoring. The application has few steps in the whole process, simple logic and high automation degree. The user does not need to have professional knowledge of electricity, medicine and brain stimulation. The user can independently complete all operations by himself, and is free from the dependence on professionals, and is completely suitable for normal use in daily home scenes.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of neurostimulation equipment technology, and in particular to a head-mounted brain stimulation device and its control method, which enables autonomous wearing, autonomous activation, and autonomous stimulation output. Background Technology

[0002] Brain stimulation (BPS) technology is widely used in fields such as neurological function regulation, motor function rehabilitation, cognitive function improvement, and brain science research. Current BPS devices primarily employ transcranial electrical stimulation (TCS), which delivers predetermined stimulation signals to target brain regions via electrodes placed on the scalp. Commonly available BPS devices include BPS headbands, BPS caps, and EEG acquisition caps. To ensure stimulation effectiveness, a conductive medium is typically placed between the electrodes and the scalp to reduce contact impedance and improve signal transmission quality. However, these technologies generally have certain drawbacks, such as: complex electrode positioning requiring experienced operators to locate corresponding brain regions using the international 10-20 system, which is difficult for ordinary users to perform accurately; and the need for manual application of the conductive medium, usually requiring assistance from others. Electrode fixation and conductive medium application also require multiple people working together, and inconsistent application amounts can lead to impedance fluctuations, affecting the stimulation effect.

[0003] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the purpose of this invention is to overcome the defects of the prior art and provide a head-mounted brain stimulation device and its control method, so as to solve the problem that the brain stimulation device in the prior art requires the assistance of others to complete the electrode positioning, conductive medium coating and treatment preparation, and realize that the user can independently complete the brain stimulation treatment preparation process. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To achieve the above functions, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows: A head-mounted brain stimulation device includes a device body, an electrode module, a drive module assembly, a control device, and connecting wires. The electrode module comprises a conductive medium reservoir, electrodes, a conductive medium, and a conductive medium outlet. The electrode module and drive module assembly are mounted on the device body and connected to the control device via connecting wires to control or monitor the operating status of the electrode module.

[0005] The electrode module technical solution includes the following: The electrodes and conductive medium are placed in the conductive medium storage cavity. The conductive medium can be placed in the conductive medium storage cavity in advance or after the device is worn. When the electrode module is working, it pushes the conductive medium in the conductive medium storage cavity to be squeezed out to the conductive medium outlet, and connects the brain stimulation signal through the conductive medium.

[0006] Furthermore, the electrode module also includes a pushing component, which is a piston, an air bag, or a combination of a piston and an air bag.

[0007] Furthermore, the electrode module also includes a detachable housing, with the air bag, piston, conductive medium reservoir, and electrodes respectively housed inside the housing. This detachable housing design facilitates the cleaning, inspection, and replacement of the internal components of the electrode module, reducing the difficulty of equipment maintenance.

[0008] The electrode module is a retractable structure on the main body of the device. It can extend and retract towards the scalp according to different head shapes by means of pads, buckles and screws, so as to adjust the fit between the electrode module and the scalp.

[0009] The control device is independent of the main body of the device and is connected to the main body of the device via an external connection cable. The control device has a built-in power switch, impedance monitoring module, and signal transmission module. The external and separate design of the control device can effectively reduce the weight of the main body of the device, improve wearing comfort, isolate electromagnetic interference, ensure the accuracy of impedance monitoring and signal transmission, and ensure the convenience of operation.

[0010] The drive module assembly includes a drive switch, a control motherboard, and a valve; the drive module assembly is connected to multiple sets of electrode modules, or the drive module assembly is connected to corresponding electrode modules; the valve controls the operation of the pushing component in the electrode module; through the cooperation of the valve and the control motherboard, multiple sets of electrodes can be controlled synchronously or a single set of electrodes can be controlled independently, and the medium output can be flexibly adjusted.

[0011] Furthermore, the drive switch includes at least one of pneumatic drive, motor drive, electromagnetic drive, shape memory drive, elastic drive, or manual drive.

[0012] The device body is divided into at least two modules: a front module and a rear module. The different modules are connected by an elastic telescopic mechanism to adjust the circumference of the device body, adapt to users with different head circumferences, and improve the overall fit.

[0013] The elastic telescopic mechanism includes a guide and a telescopic spring; the guide limits the direction of movement between modules, ensuring that the front and rear modules only extend and retract in a preset direction, thus avoiding structural offset and jamming.

[0014] The device body is equipped with a reference positioning structure; the reference positioning structure includes a forehead positioning part, a left ear positioning part, and a right ear positioning part; the three-point reference positioning structure enables standardized wearing, eliminating the need for professional personnel to assist in wearing the device by referring to a professional point map.

[0015] The electrode module includes a first electrode group and a second electrode group; the first electrode group is arranged on the left side of the cap; and the second electrode group is arranged on the right side of the cap.

[0016] A control method for a head-mounted brain stimulation device, the method being applied to the aforementioned head-mounted brain stimulation device, with the specific operation steps as follows: S1. Medium pre-loading operation: A quantitative amount of conductive medium is pre-injected into the conductive medium storage cavity of each of the four electrode modules. S2. Precise positioning: The brain stimulation device is worn on the head, and the electrode module is positioned at points F9, F10, P9, and P10 through three points: the eyebrow positioning part, the left ear positioning part, and the right ear positioning part. S3. Ensure good initial contact. Adjust the device body using the elastic telescopic mechanism to press the electrode module firmly against the scalp. Adjust the electrode module back and forth to adapt to different head shapes. S4. Establish a stable conductive path, start the control device, and start the piston assembly of the electrode module through the drive module assembly to squeeze the conductive medium in the conductive medium storage cavity to the space between the electrode and the scalp. S5. Monitor the contact resistance between the electrode and the scalp. If the resistance is higher than the preset threshold, add conductive medium or adjust the electrode pressure until the resistance meets the standard. S6. After the impedance meets the standard, a valid wearing test is performed before the stimulation output. If the wearing is not effective, the stimulation signal is prohibited from being output. When the wearing is effective, multiple high-frequency signals are output to form phase interference stimulation in the brain. S7. The device monitors the wearing status and electrical parameters throughout operation. If electrode detachment, impedance sudden change, or abnormal current occurs, stimulation will be stopped immediately and an alarm will be output. Beneficial effects

[0017] This invention provides a head-mounted brain stimulation device and its control method, enabling autonomous wearing, autonomous activation, autonomous stimulation output, and autonomous monitoring. Compared with the prior art, this invention has the following advantages.

[0018] 1. The device features a three-point reference positioning structure at the brow, left ear, and right ear, enabling precise electrode positioning after the head-mounted brain stimulation device is worn. This eliminates the need for professional atlases from the international 10-20 system, allowing even non-professional users to wear it independently. Through the drive module components, electrode module, and the telescopic design of the electrode module, constant pressure contact between the electrodes and the scalp is achieved, along with quantitative extrusion and uniform coating of the conductive medium. This solves the problems of unstable electrode pressure, uneven conductive medium usage, and uneven coating that occur during manual operation. It effectively suppresses contact impedance fluctuations, ensuring the quality of stimulation signal transmission and the stimulation effect. Users can perform this independently without assistance from family members, medical personnel, or other helpers, truly enabling brain stimulation intervention at home.

[0019] 2. The device is designed with an impedance monitoring module, and an effective wearing verification step is added before stimulation output. If the device is not worn effectively, the signal output is directly blocked to avoid invalid stimulation. Moreover, the device monitors the contact impedance, wearing status, and electrical parameters in real time throughout the operation. Once abnormal conditions such as electrode detachment, impedance change, or current over-limit are detected, the stimulation signal is immediately cut off and an alarm is triggered, which effectively protects the user's personal safety and avoids damage to components caused by long-term abnormal operation of the device. It meets the safety requirements for use in various scenarios such as home, medical, and scientific research.

[0020] 3. The control device integrating the impedance monitoring module, signal transmission module, and power switch is separated from the main body of the head-mounted device. Signal and control command transmission is achieved only through connecting cables, significantly reducing the weight of the headpiece. At the same time, the low-voltage monitoring and signal transmission circuits are separated from the mechanical structure of the headpiece, effectively avoiding electromagnetic interference caused by the complex structure of the headpiece and improving the accuracy of impedance monitoring and the stability of signal transmission. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the head-mounted brain stimulation device in Embodiment 1.

[0022] Figure 2 This is a diagram of the head-mounted brain stimulation device used in Example 1.

[0023] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the electrode module in Embodiment 1.

[0024] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the elastic telescopic mechanism in Embodiment 1.

[0025] Figure 5 This is the standard system diagram of the EEG system in Example 1.

[0026] Figure 6 This is a flowchart of the control method for the head-mounted brain stimulation device in Embodiment 1.

[0027] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the electrode module in Embodiment 2. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The invention will now be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0029] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 1——Device body 11 - Front Module 12 - Rear Module 13—Elastic telescopic mechanism 14 - Guide Components 15 - Extension Spring 16—Glabella (the area between the eyebrows) 17—Left ear positioning point 18—Right ear positioning point 19 - Fixing strap 2—Electrode Module 21—Conductive dielectric storage cavity 22—Electrode 23——Pushing component 231 - Airbag 232 - Piston 24—Conductive dielectric outlet 25 - Outer shell 3 - Driver Module Components 31—Drive Switch 32—Control motherboard 33—Valve 4—Control Device 41—Power Switch 42—Impedance monitoring module 43—Signal Transmission Module 5 - Connecting wire Example 1

[0030] like Figure 1 , 2 The head-mounted brain stimulation device shown in Figures 3, 4, and 5 includes a device body 1, an electrode module 2, a drive module assembly 3, a control device 4, and a connecting cable 4. The electrode module 2 and the drive module assembly 3 are mounted on the device body 1 and are connected to the control device 4 via the connecting cable 5, thereby controlling or monitoring the working status of the electrode module.

[0031] The device body 1 includes a front module 11 and a rear module 12, with an elastic telescopic mechanism 13 between the two modules. The elastic telescopic mechanism includes a guide and a telescopic spring. The circumference of the device body is adjusted by the telescopic spring 15 in the elastic telescopic mechanism 13, and the direction of movement between the front and rear modules is limited by the guide 14, ensuring that the front and rear modules only extend and retract in a preset direction, avoiding structural offset and jamming. This allows the device body 1 to adapt to users with different head circumferences, ensuring a good overall fit for people with different head circumferences. The device body 1 is equipped with a reference positioning structure, which includes a forehead positioning part 16, a left ear positioning part 17, and a right ear positioning part 18. The three-point reference positioning structure enables standardized operation, eliminating the need to refer to professional point maps or require professional assistance. The four electrode modules 2 can be accurately positioned at F9, F10, P9, and P10 in the map through reference positioning.

[0032] like Figure 3As shown, the head-mounted brain stimulation device has two sets of electrode modules 2, each set consisting of two components. The first set of electrode modules is located on the left side of the cap, and the second set of electrode modules is located on the right side of the cap. Each electrode module includes a pushing component 23 consisting of an air bag 231 and a piston 232, a conductive medium storage cavity 21, an electrode 22, and a detachable structural shell 25. The air bag 231 is located below the top cover of the shell 25, and the top cover has a corresponding position that matches the air vent of the air bag 231. One end of the piston 232 is adjacent to the air bag 231, and the other end extends into the conductive medium storage cavity 21. The electrode 22 and a conductive medium such as colloid are placed inside the conductive medium storage cavity 21. One end of the conductive medium storage cavity 21 has a conductive medium outlet 24. The air bag 231, piston 232, electrode 22, and conductive medium storage cavity 21 are respectively placed in the cavity of the shell 25 and sealed with the top cover. During operation, the air pressure within the air bag 231 pushes the piston 232 towards the conductive medium outlet 24. The electrode 22 and conductive medium within the conductive medium reservoir 21 are automatically extruded towards the outlet 24, with the conductive medium positioned between the electrode 22 and the scalp, thus conducting brain stimulation signals. All components of the electrode module are housed within the outer casing 25 and sealed with a top cover. This enhances the protection of the electrode module and facilitates cleaning, inspection, and replacement of internal components during use, reducing equipment maintenance complexity.

[0033] The control device 4 is independent of the device body 1 and includes a power switch 41, an impedance monitoring module 42, and a signal transmission module 43. The control device 4 undertakes all core functions of impedance detection, equipment control, and electromagnetic wave or signal transmission, and is also the main control unit of the entire device. The control device 4 is connected to the device body via an external connection cable 5. The drive module assembly 3 is mounted on the device body 1 and includes a drive switch 31, a control motherboard 32, and a valve 33. The drive switch 31 is pneumatically driven, i.e., an air pump, and the valve 33 is a one-way air valve. The drive module assembly is connected to the four electrode modules via internal connection cables. The air pump controls the operation of the pushing component 23 in the electrode module 2, i.e., inflating or deflating the air bag 231 via the one-way air valve, thereby controlling the displacement and coating of the conductive medium through the movement of the piston. In this embodiment, the control device 4 is externally separated, which effectively reduces the weight of the device body, improves wearing comfort, isolates electromagnetic interference, and ensures the accuracy of impedance monitoring and signal transmission.

[0034] like Figure 5 , 6 As shown, the control method for the head-mounted brain stimulation device described in this embodiment 1 uses the aforementioned head-mounted brain stimulation device and follows these operating steps: The first step is the pre-loading of the medium, that is, pre-injecting a certain amount of conductive medium into the conductive medium storage cavity 21 of the four electrode modules 2, so that it can be squeezed and coated onto the scalp during operation.

[0035] The second step is wearing and precise positioning. The brain stimulation device is worn on the head, and the reference plane is determined by positioning the three points of the forehead positioning part 16, the left ear positioning part 17, and the right ear positioning part 18. The positions of the four electrodes are calibrated according to the plane so that the electrodes in the electrode module correspond to the F9, F10, P9, and P10 points in the spectrum.

[0036] The third step is to ensure good initial contact by adjusting the fit between the device body 1 and the head through the elastic telescopic mechanism to keep the electrode module pressed against the scalp and ensure good initial contact.

[0037] The fourth step is to establish a stable conductive path. Press the power switch 41 on the control device 4 to power on the device. The control circuit sends a command to the control motherboard 32 to drive the built-in drive switch 31 to start working. In this embodiment, the drive switch 31 is an air pump. The gas generated by the air pump is delivered to the four electrode modules and their corresponding air bags 231 in the device body through the gas valve. The air bags inflate and push the piston 232 downward, squeezing the conductive medium (such as gel) pre-stored in the conductive medium storage chamber from the conductive medium outlet 24 into the gap between the electrode and the scalp. After the conductive medium is filled, the electrode and the scalp form a physical bond and a conductive path.

[0038] The fifth step is impedance detection and logic judgment. The contact impedance between the electrode and the scalp is monitored, and the impedance threshold is set to 10KΩ. If the impedance is higher than the preset threshold of 10KΩ, it is determined that the contact is poor and the stimulation signal is not activated. At this time, it is necessary to add conductive medium or adjust the electrode pressure until the impedance meets the standard. If the impedance is not higher than the preset threshold of 10KΩ, it is determined that the contact is qualified and proceeds to the next step of signal transmission.

[0039] The sixth step is the output of stimulation signals. The electrical signal generator inside the host computer works, and the phase interference electromagnetic waves and electrical stimulation signals are transmitted to the head through four electrodes and a conductive medium, thus formally commencing brain stimulation.

[0040] In this embodiment, the head-mounted brain stimulation device ultimately outputs phase interference radio waves and electrical stimulation signals, which are conducted to the head through electrodes, conductive adhesive, and other conductive media to achieve brain stimulation. The head-mounted brain stimulation device monitors the wearing status and electrical parameters throughout operation. If electrode detachment, impedance sudden changes, or abnormal current occurs, stimulation is immediately stopped and an alarm is issued. Example 2

[0041] Based on the structure, principle, and method shown in Example 1, such as Figure 7As shown, the pushing component 23 in the electrode module 2 is a piston 232, and the drive switch 31 is driven by a motor or electromagnetic drive. During operation, the piston is directly pushed to move by the drive switch 31, so that the electrode 22 and the conductive medium in the conductive medium storage cavity 21 are automatically squeezed out to the conductive medium outlet 24. The conductive medium is placed between the electrode 22 and the scalp, thereby receiving brain stimulation signals.

[0042] Meanwhile, there are various ways to push the electrodes. Without external force, the conductive medium can move back and forth within the conductive medium reservoir cavity through the flow of the conductive medium. The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention and are not intended to limit it. For example, in terms of application fields, the number of electrode module groups of the present invention can be increased or decreased according to the brain stimulation intensity requirements; the drive switch includes at least one of pneumatic drive, motor drive, electromagnetic drive, shape memory drive, elastic drive, or manual drive; the impedance monitoring module and signal transmission module in the control device can also be designed on the device body. The pushing component in the electrode module can only be an air bag, which is supplied with gas through an air valve to increase the air pressure and air bag volume, thereby pushing the electrode 22 and conductive medium in the conductive medium reservoir cavity 21 to automatically squeeze out towards the conductive medium outlet 24. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A head-mounted brain stimulation device, characterized in that, Includes the device body, electrode module, drive module assembly, control device, and connecting wires; The electrode module includes a conductive medium storage cavity, an electrode, a conductive medium, and a conductive medium outlet, with the electrode positioned at the conductive medium outlet. The electrode module and drive module are mounted on the device body and connected to the control device via connecting lines to control or monitor the working status of the electrode module.

2. The head-mounted brain stimulation device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The control device is independent of the main body of the device and is connected to the main body of the device via an external connection line; the control device has a built-in power switch, impedance monitoring module, and signal transmission module.

3. The head-mounted brain stimulation device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The electrodes and conductive medium are placed in advance or after being worn into the conductive medium storage cavity.

4. The head-mounted brain stimulation device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The electrode module also includes a pushing component, which is a piston, an air bag, or a combination of a piston and an air bag.

5. The head-mounted brain stimulation device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The electrode module also includes a detachable housing, with the air bag, piston, conductive medium reservoir, and electrode respectively placed inside the housing.

6. The head-mounted brain stimulation device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The electrode module is a retractable structure on the main body of the device. It can extend and retract towards the scalp according to different head shapes by means of pads, buckles and screws, so as to adjust the fit between the electrode module and the scalp.

7. The head-mounted brain stimulation device according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that: The drive module assembly includes a drive switch, a control motherboard, and a valve; the drive module assembly is connected to multiple sets of electrode modules, or the drive module assembly is connected to corresponding electrode modules; the valve controls the movement of the conductive medium in the conductive medium storage cavity, and the pushing component in the electrode module is activated.

8. The head-mounted brain stimulation device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The drive switch includes at least one of pneumatic drive, hydraulic drive, electric motor drive, electromagnetic drive, shape memory drive, elastic drive, or manual drive.

9. The head-mounted brain stimulation device according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that: The device body is divided into at least two modules: a front module and a rear module. The different modules are connected by an elastic telescopic mechanism to adjust the circumference of the device body.

10. The head-mounted brain stimulation device according to any one of claims 9, characterized in that: The elastic telescopic mechanism includes a guide and a telescopic spring; the guide is used to limit the direction of movement between modules.

11. The head-mounted brain stimulation device according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that: The device body is provided with a reference positioning structure; the reference positioning structure includes a brow center positioning part, a left ear positioning part, and a right ear positioning part.

12. The head-mounted brain stimulation device according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that: The electrode module includes a first electrode group and a second electrode group; the first electrode group is arranged on the left side of the cap; and the second electrode group is arranged on the right side of the cap.

13. A control method for a head-mounted brain stimulation device, characterized in that: The head-mounted brain stimulation device control method, using the head-mounted brain stimulation device as described in claims 1-13, includes the following steps: S1. Pre-filling of conductive medium: A certain amount of conductive medium is pre-filled into the conductive medium storage cavity of the electrode module; S2. Device Wearing and Precise Positioning: The brain stimulation device is worn on the head, and the electrode modules are positioned at points F9, F10, P9, and P10 through three points: the eyebrow positioning part, the left ear positioning part, and the right ear positioning part. S3. Ensure good initial contact: Adjust the device body through the elastic telescopic mechanism to press the electrode module firmly against the scalp, and adjust the electrode module back and forth to adapt to different head shapes; S4. Forming a conductive path: The control device is activated, and the piston assembly of the electrode module is activated through the drive module assembly to squeeze the conductive medium in the conductive medium storage cavity to the space between the electrode and the scalp. S5. Impedance closed-loop adjustment: Monitors the contact impedance between the electrode and the scalp. If the impedance is higher than the preset threshold, the conductive medium is replenished or the electrode pressure is adjusted. S6. Stimulation signal output: After the impedance reaches the standard, multiple high-frequency signals are output to form phase interference stimulation; S7. Real-time safety monitoring: Monitors wearing status and electrical parameters, and immediately stops stimulation and alarms if any abnormality is detected.

14. The control method for the head-mounted brain stimulation device according to claim 13, characterized in that: In step S6, a valid wearing test is performed before the stimulus is output; if the device is not worn effectively, the stimulus signal is prohibited from being output.

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